HHS has issued a letter dated January 15, 2013 addressed to “Our Nation’s Health Care Providers” noting that in light of the mass shootings in Newtown Ct. and Aurora , CO, it wanted to ensure that providers are aware that HIPAA “does not prevent your ability to disclose necessary information about a patient to law enforcement, family members of the patient, or other persons, when you believe the patient presents a serious danger to himself or other people.” The letter goes on to more fully explain this consideration.